Local Resources

This month AARP Driver Safety is celebrating Black History Month by inviting AARP members and nonmembers to take its online course for 30% off.

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Across the nation, the aging population has proven to be an important and vital source of economic growth, according to “ The Longevity Economy: Generating Economic Growth and New Opportunities for Business,” a study conducted in 2013 by Oxford Economics and commissioned by AARP. This study counters long-held beliefs about the negative financial impacts of aging on the US economy by showing that the 50+ population actually fuels growth.

By: Julie E. Lee

Interesting Volunteer Opportunities Available

AARP's "Staying Sharp" presentations on brain fitness and financial fraud have always been popular around the state, but for 2014 we decided to add break-out sessions on topics that our state research showed were of particular interest to Utahns 50+. The topics added for these additional presentations included how to stay active for life; an overview of wills and living trusts; eating healthy; how to maximize Social Security benefits, and how to make your home fit your needs.

Utah is known for its fabulous skiing, beautiful national parks (five of them, the most in the country) and clean living, but it's also recognized as one of the best states for successful aging according to an index released by the Milken Institute on November 18. Provo was ranked third and Salt Lake City was ranked fifth of 352 U.S. cities in their index, which realizes that most Americans want to age at home and in place as opposed to moving somewhere else to retire.

We’re living in a digital world. According to a 2013 Google/Ipsos poll, seventy-eight percent of baby boomers are on line, and 52% of seniors are online and its growing every day. These age groups spend more time each week on the internet (about 19 hours) than they devote to television, radio and magazines are newspapers. Yet, millions of people over the age of 50 are not online. Research also shows, once older Americans get on-line they find that digital technology often becomes an integral part of the daily lives. On the next AARP Live on RFD-TV, we’re talking technology. We’ll explore the barriers that are keeping people from logging on and how AARP is working to help those who’ve fallen behind in the digital age catch up and get comfortable with technology. We’ll also discuss how technology can help ward off isolation among older adults – particularly in rural areas.

Utah is growing. By the year 2050, the population will nearly double in size. This is a continuing trend in the state; Utah has a history of growth and a successful track record of planning for the future. And that's where you come in!

Like AARP, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) does not support or oppose candidates but strongly believes that all Americans should be well informed about their right to vote. Reprinted below are questions and answers from their Voter Empowerment Guide about all aspects of voting, from registration to voter ID to receiving provisional ballots.